Northwest Florida Reading with a Ranger Three Rivers State Park Saturday, September 6 at 10:00 a.m. A park ranger will read a children s nature book to park guests. This event will be held at the Seminole Pavilion in the park. For more information, call (850) 482-9006. Literacy Month Book Exchange Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park September The park will host a month-long book exchange in the campground interpretive pavilion. For more information, call (850) 927-2111. Story Time in the Gardens Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Sunday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m. Volunteers will read from various children's books in the gardens, followed by lemonade and cookies at the Gardener's Cottage. Participants should dress appropriately for a short walk through the gardens. For more information, call (850) 487-4115. Literacy Month Program Ponce de Leon Springs State Park Sunday, September 7 through Saturday, September 13 Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, in partnership with the Holmes County Public Library, will install colorful displays promoting the wonders and beauty of the park and the reading opportunities at the library. Park staff will also be participating in an after school reading program. For more information, call (850) 638-6130. Story Time with Paul Lowery Henderson Beach State Park Saturday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 17 at 1:00 p.m. Henderson Beach State Park will once again host story time with Mr. Paul Lowery, author of Do you know where Sea Turtles go?. A question and answer session will follow. Copies of Mr. Lowery's book are on sale in the park s store. For more information, call (850) 259-6444. Literacy Month Program Falling Waters State Park Sunday, September 7 through Saturday, September 13 Falling Waters State Park, in partnership with the Holmes County Public Library, will install colorful displays promoting the wonders and beauty of the park and reading at the library. Park staff will also be participating in an after school reading program. For more information, call (850) 638-6130.
Celebrate Literacy Month Big Lagoon State Park Monday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m. Big Lagoon State Park will celebrate Literacy Month along with the Escambia County Southwest Branch Library. Library volunteers will provide a READ to Dogs program to help young children get over the anxiety of reading. This event will be held at pavilion #39 (next to the observation tower). For more information, call (850) 492-1595. The Great Word Hunt and Read-athon Eden Gardens State Park Tuesday, September 9 and 10 at 12:30 p.m. Eden Gardens will sponsor a fun-filled afternoon of reading events, including The Great Word Hunt, students will search the gardens for letters and then utilize those letters to create words. The team creating the greatest number of words will win a small prize. The event will also feature reading time with different costumed characters reading to the children at various locations within the park. For more information, call (850) 231-1167. Celebrate Literacy Month Big Lagoon State Park Wednesday, September 10 at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Big Lagoon State Park will celebrate Literacy Month along with the Escambia County Southwest Branch Library. At 10:30 a.m. a special preschool program will be presented; at 3:30 p.m. a seeing-eye dog program will take place. These events will be held at pavilion #39 (next to the observation tower). For more information, call (850) 492-1595. Children Reading Everywhere St. Andrews State Park Wednesday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. This event is part of the Bay County Library Children Reading Everywhere Program in partnership with St. Andrews State Park. Participants can apply for their library card as well as enjoy an award-winning program. For more information, call (850) 233-5164. Literacy in the Park Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park Lake Jackson Mounds State Park will host a book reading event to promote reading and utilize the resources of public libraries. There will be a story about the wonders of nature and a guided adventure around the park immediately following the reading. For more information, call (850) 922-6007. Pages in the Park Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns State Park will host the Pages in the Park program at the park's visitor center. For more information, call (850) 482-1228. Read with a Ranger Torreya State Park Wednesday, September 13 at 8:00 a.m. Torreya State Park will partner with W.R. Tolar Elementary School in Bristol to celebrate Literacy Month. Park rangers and volunteers will visit the classroom and read to 3rd grade students. For more information, call (850) 267-0299. Reading on the River Blackwater River State Park September 13 at 10:00 a.m. Blackwater River State Park will host a children s book reading about the animals that inhabit the park. A park ranger will read the stories in Pavilion #23 on the boardwalk complex. After the reading, participants can take a ranger-guided short hike around Juniper Lake Trail. For more information, call (850) 983-5363. Reflections over the Spring Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park Saturday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. In cooperation with the Wakulla County Public Library, the park will offer three narrated glass bottom boat trips over Wakulla Spring. Literary selections for children will be narrated on the beach and the library will have a book give-away in the Concession Area. The three narrated glass bottom boat tours will be available at no charge but donations to the Wakulla County Library will be gratefully accepted. Tickets will be available at the Waterfront Visitors Center on a first-come, first-served basis at 8:30 a.m. Space is limited to 30 people for each trip. Park entrance fee will be waived for participants. For more information, call (850) 561-7286. Community Literacy Fair Big Lagoon State Park Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. Big Lagoon State Park will celebrate Literacy Month along with the Escambia County Southwest Branch Library. Library staff and volunteers will be in the park to hold a Community Literacy Fair. This event will be held at pavilion #39 (next to the observation tower). For more information, call (850) 492-1595. Reading with Park Staff Ochlockonee River State Park Ochlockonee River State Park invites families to come out and read a story with park staff about nature, animals and the environment. For more information, call (850) 962-2771. Florida Folklore, Poetry and Music
Grayton Beach Wednesday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m. Grayton Beach State Park will present their Florida Folklore, Poetry and Music at the large beach pavilion. For more information, call (850) 231-4210. Northeast Florida Book Signing Event with Barbara Cairns Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Sunday, September 7 and Friday, September 12 at 1:00 p.m. Barbara Cairns, author of Cracker Cow (A Narrative of Florida History) will sign copies of her book in the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park s Children s Education Center. For more information, call (352) 628-5343. Library Card Sign Up Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Sunday, September 7 through Saturday, September 13 Representatives from the various Citrus County Library System branches will issue new library cards at the park Visitor Center during Literacy Week to help promote the resources available at each location. For more information, call (352) 628-5343. Rocking Reading Rangers South Hamilton Elementary School Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Wednesday, September 10 at 2:00 p.m. The Rocking Reading Rangers from Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will read resource-based educational books to the 1st and 2nd grade classes at South Hamilton Elementary School. A librarian from the White Springs Library will show the children how to get a library card. Students will be given a Junior Rangers pamphlet to complete and turn in to earn a Florida State Parks Junior Ranger pin and certificate during the month of September. For more information, call (386) 397-4478. Book Signing Event with Vicky Iozzia Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park September 10, 11 and 13 at 1:00 p.m. Vicky Iozzia, author of I m Lu the Hippopotamus, will sign copies of her book in the Children s Education Center at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. On Saturday, Vicki will be joined by local songstress Patrice Jacobs who will perform songs she has written about Florida and its wildlife. For more information, call (352) 628-5343. Children s Book Reading Fort Clinch State Park Saturday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m. Fort Clinch State Park will host a children s book reading for parents and kids and a park ranger will share a story about the secrets and treasures of the park s
beaches.the reading will take place at the end of the west fisherman s boardwalk. For more information, call (904) 277-7274. Gopher Tortoise Story Reading Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Join a park ranger for a reading of How Gimble Gopher Tortoise Found a New Home, a story of friendship, teamwork and preservation. This reading will be followed by a presentation about alligators. For more information, call (352) 466-3397. Florida Animals Story Reading O Leno State Park Join park rangers and volunteers by the river to listen to children s stories about native Florida animals followed by games and arts and crafts projects that go along with the story. For more information, call (386) 454-4201. Musical Reading Manatee Springs State Park Saturday, September 27 at 10:20 a.m. Event participants can enjoy the musical reading of author John Lithgow s book, I Am a Manatee. Park rangers Waldo and Dudley will help each participant create a personal stuffed toy manatee to take home. All activities are free with park admission. For more information, call (352) 493-6072. Central Florida Read With a Ranger Lake Kissimmee State Park September 6 at 10:00 a.m. The whole family can enjoy a children's story read by a park ranger under a shady pavilion. For more information, call (863) 696-1112 Story Time for Children Wekiwa Springs State Park Sunday, September 7 and 14 at 12:00 p.m. An interactive story time with children will take place outside the park s Nature Center. Guests should bring a lunch. For more information, call (407) 884 2008. Butterfly Tales Washington Oaks Gardens State Park September 7 at 9:30 a.m. Stories will be read by a park ranger and children are encouraged to bring their favorite butterfly books to share with the group. Singing and dancing will also be held and following story time participants will proceed to the botanical garden for games and butterfly viewing. For more information, call (386) 446-6780.
Story Time Celebration Faver-Dykes State Park September 7 at 10:00 a.m. Retired librarian Rita Saker will tell stories. Other activities will include a rangerguided scavenger hunt and crafts with a representative from the St. Johns County Library System. For registration and information, call (386) 446-6783. Literacy Event De Leon Springs State Park September 7 and 13 at 10:30 a.m. Children will find fun facts about the park's nature and history by reading the exhibits in the visitor center and writing the information on an activity sheet. Participants will receive a book to take home. For more information, call (386) 985-4212. Sea Turtle Education Program Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach Friday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. A sea turtle program will be held at the park followed by a reading for children using one of the turtle books in the park library. There will also be a turtle coloring contest judged by park staff. The winner will receive a framed sea turtle picture and a free day visit to the park for the whole family. For more information, call (386) 517-2086. Reading With Rusty Raccoon Lake Griffin State Park September 13 at 9:00 a.m. Lake Griffin State Park will host Reading with Rusty Raccoon for children and their families. The program will take place outdoors so bug spray is recommended. A parent or guardian must stay and participate with their children during the program. For more information, call (352) 360-6760. Read and Hike with a Ranger Tomoka State Park Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m. A park ranger will read a children's book for the young participants and discuss the Florida Panther recently discovered in the park during a hike. Participants will be encouraged to read three books between September and the middle of November. Participants who accomplish this will be eligible to attend an invitation only trail hike led by a ranger. The program will take place at the Ormond Beach Public Library. For more information, call (386) 676-4050. Reading with the Snakes Colt Creek State Park September 13 at 10:00 a.m. An educational program about snakes will be held at Colt Creek State Park. There will be snake activities and a variety of books about the slithery creatures will be
on display and can be checked out from the local library. For more information, call (863) 815-6761. Story Time Celebration Washington Oaks Gardens State Park September 13 at 9:30 a.m. Participants will listen to the children's story telling of Sharon Sappington and Frank and Mary Lee Sweet, also known as Back in Tyme, will also perform using the art of storytelling and the emotion of music to illuminate Florida s history and folklore. For registration and information, call (386) 446-6783. Pelican Pete Story Time Anastasia State Park September 13 at 10:00 a.m. Anastasia State Park staff will read the story of Pelican Pete who has adventures with other animals and the environment. Park rangers will lead nature walks and present a sea turtle program. Each child will receive a bookmark and a booklet with an environmental theme to read and take home. Scheduled activities include Pelican Pete storytelling at 10:00 a.m., nature walk at 11:00 a.m., turtle storytime at 1:00 p.m. and a turtle program at 2:00 p.m. For more information, call (904) 461-2033. StoryTime with Ranger Cristy and Randy the Raccoon Ravine Gardens State Park Saturday, September 13 at 3:00 p.m. Children are invited to story time with Ranger Cristy and a guest appearance from Randy the Raccoon puppet, followed by a song and dance. Participants will meet at the large picnic pavilion. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the Civic Center. For more information, call (386) 329-3721. Book Signing Blue Spring State Park September 13 at 11:00 a.m. Author Bill Leyton will be signing copies of his books, The Manatee Who Wanted to be a Mermaid and The Dogs Who Play Football and Fight Crime at the park gift shop. These books promote self image, honesty and acceptance, and are appropriate for all ages. For more information, call (386) 775-3663. Birding Literacy Program Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park September 23 and 24 at 4:30 p.m. An interactive presentation will describe the bird life at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and a variety of bird books will be on hand. For more information, call (863) 462-5360. Fort Mose Storytellers Fort Mose Historical State Park
September 27 at 10:00 a.m. Fort Mose Historic State Park will have storytellers and poets read stories of adventure and freedom. Children will have a chance to explore Fort Mose on an adventure walk and write their own adventure story. Each child will receive a bookmark and a booklet to take home. For more information, call (904) 823-2232. Southwest Florida Readings on the Natural World Charlotte Harbor Saturday, September 6 at 9:30 a.m. Join Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park staff for readings that celebrate the natural world. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For registration and information, call (941) 575-5861. Literacy Month Event Oscar Scherer State Park Saturday, September 6, 13 and 20 at 11:00 a.m. Participants will enjoy nature printing and story writing activities. For more information, call (941) 483-5956. Reading with a Ranger Oscar Scherer State Park September 6, 7, 13, 20 and 21 at 1:00 p.m. The park will host Read with a Ranger. For more information, call (941) 483-5956. Reading Connection Dade Battlefield Historic State Park Sunday, September 7 at 1:00 p.m. The staff of Dade Battlefield will host a story time journey into the past. Children ages five to 12 will receive a free educational coloring book. Ranger story times are 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. For more information, call (352) 793-4781. Make a Nature Book Oscar Scherer State Park Sundays, September 7 and 14 at 11:00 a.m. Visitors can make their own nature book. Younger participants can use premade words. For more information, call (941) 483-5956. Story Time with Toni Vanover Gasparilla Island State Park Friday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Toni Vanover will host story time for the whole family at the Gasparilla Lighthouse Museum followed by a free drink and cookies. All gift shop books will be 10 percent off from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call (941) 964-0375.
Read with a Ranger Lake Manatee State Park Friday, September 12 at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Lake Manatee State Park will host Read with a Ranger and a book exchange at the picnic area pavilion. For more information, call (941) 741-3028. Junior Ranger Lake Manatee State Park Friday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m. A junior ranger program will be held to celebrate International Literacy Day. For more information, call (941) 741-3028. Bug Talk and Walk Paynes Creek Historic State Park Park Manager Jackson Mosley will host a Bug Talk and Walk at the park s visitor center. There will be numerous specimens to see and learn about and will include hands-on activities. There will also be a short walk to spy on the bugs in the park. Bottled water will be supplied and participants should bring a hat and wear comfortable walking shoes. For more information, call (863) 375-4717. Fort Foster Story Telling Hillsborough River State Park Hillsborough River State Park will host a storytelling event at the Fort Foster Historic Site. The event is for children 12 years and under who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event includes lemonade, cookies and a tour of the Fort Foster Historic Site. For more information, call (813) 987-6870. Reading Tour Highlands Hammock State Park The park will host a reading tour about the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum featuring growing up during the Great Depression. Discussion time during the reading will encourage all ages to compare life today with memories of yesteryear. For more information, call (863) 386-6094. Lucy Tobias Book Signing Ybor City Museum State Park The museum will host a book signing by Lucy Tobias, author of 50 Great Walks in Florida and a Saturday morning walk in the historic district. Other activities will include El Lector reading to a cigar roller, La Casita tours and the exhibit Sicilians in Tampa: Unfolding the Journey. Garden activities include café con leche, Florida history displays and a book sale. Admission for the walking tour is $6.00 per person. For more information, call (813) 987-6870.
Literacy Week Honeymoon Island State Park Saturday, September 13 at 1:30 p.m. The Palm Harbor Library and the Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park will celebrate Literacy Week with a free family story hour. For more information, call (727) 469-5942 Library Book Reading Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park Tuesday, September 16 at 3:00 p.m. Park staff will be at the Regency Park Library to read Dr. Suess s Lorax. Photos of the pictures in the book will be shown as the story is read. The library is located at 9701 Little Road in Port Richey, Florida. For more information, call (727) 816-1890, or the library at (727) 861-3049. Nature s Flash Card Game Oscar Scherer State Park Sunday, September 21 at 11:00 a.m. Park staff will host a nature flash card game. For more information, call (941) 483-5956. Children s Book Reading Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Saturday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park will host a puppeteer-led, children's book reading about Florida wildlife. This event is fun for all ages and will be held at the pavilion. For more information, call (239) 597-6196. Southeast Florida Book Exchange John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park September In observance of International Literacy Day, the park will host a month-long book exchange at the campground. For more information, call (305) 451-1202. Magic Beach Story Time John D. MacArthur Beach State Park September 7 and 12 at 11:00 a.m. A staff naturalist will read the children s book, Magic Beach by Alison Lester and another selection to be determined. Story time will be coupled with games, a live animal presentation and refreshments. The program is for children and their families. For more information and reservations, call (561) 624-6952. Barnacle, Books, Birds and Boats The Barnacle Historic State Park Sunday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m. The park will host its second annual literacy event, a fun-filled Sunday with
educational activities, games and prizes. For more information, call (305) 442-6866. Puppet Show Bahia Honda State Park Friday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m. Join a park ranger at the Sand and Sea Nature Center for a puppet show about life in the seagrass beds and join the seagrass rap sing-along. Seating is limited to 30 participants. For more information, call (305) 872-9807. Discover Reading Scavenger Hunt Jonathan Dickinson State Park In partnership with Martin County Libraries the park will host a Discover Reading Scavenger Hunt. Participants in the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Children should be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call (561) 745-5551. My Island Home Reading Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Saturday, September 13 at 12:00 p.m. To celebrate Literacy Month, park rangers will read excerpts from My Island Home, an oral history of the island of Key Biscayne in the early part of the 20th Century, as recalled by William Thomas. Readings will take place at the lighthouse. For more information, call (305) 361-5811. Book Reading Fort Pierce Inlet State Park Saturday, September 13 at 12:00 p.m. In recognition of Literacy Month, the park will host a story time with wildlife and conservation themes. Participants should meet at pavilion #3 by the playground. For registration and information, call (772) 468-3985. Literacy Event Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. In celebration of Literacy Month, park staff will present readings from local history at the Terramar Visitor Center. In addition, ranger-guided walks along the Coastal Hammock Trail will be given hourly between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For more information, call (954) 564-4521. Children s Story Time Oleta River State Park Saturday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m. Participants can listen to children's stories read by a park ranger under a shady pavilion. Donations benefitting the National Institute for Literacy will be accepted. For more information, call (305) 919-1846.
Joan Gill Blank Book Reading Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. Noted local historian Joan Gill Blank will help celebrate Literacy Month by offering lively readings from her book Key Biscayne - A History of Miami s Tropical Island and the Cape Florida Lighthouse. The readings will take place at the lighthouse. For more information, call (305) 361-5811.